New blow for Rio Ferdinand as Manchester United captaincy goes to Nemanja Vidic

18 September 2010 10:46

Viewed : 46

Rio Ferdinand has been told by Sir Alex Ferguson that he can forgetany thoughts about wearing the captain's armband this season.

The Manchester United centre half has just returned from a lengthyinjury, and missed England's disastrous World Cup campaign where StevenGerrard took over the captaincy.

Captain, my Captain: Nemanja Vidic will wear the armband in future

Ferdinand was expecting to take over the captaincy at Old Trafford from Gary Neville, but Ferguson insisted: 'Nemanja Vidic has been given the captain's armband because he has been available all the time.'

The 31-year-old Ferdinand returned for the Champions League draw withRangers in midweek and it could not have come at a better time givenFerguson's announcement 24 hours earlier that Gary Neville would nolonger wear the captain's armband because of his persistent injury woes.

New blow: Rio Ferdinand told he will not lead Manchester United

Despite being given the honour against Rangers, Ferguson confirmed it will be fellow defender Vidic, 28, who carries out the duties on a more regular basis.

The United boss said: 'We want it to be a player who's consistently available for us.

'Everyone will recognise that if Vidic is fit - and he has been all season - he'll always be there.

'You wouldn't leave him out of your team unless you were resting him. 'He has started the campaign as the captain and it will stay that way.'

Ferguson's decision suggests that Ferdinand has some way to go before convincing the boss he is completely clear of injuries.

But the Old Trafford chief is pleased to have him available for tomorrow's clash with Liverpool.

Ferguson added in The Sun: 'It is good to have Rio back. If he plays, it is because he is an outstanding player.'

Hargreaves is close to playing for again after two years out, reveals surgeonFergie's red mist: The truth behind that long-running rivalry with LiverpoolMANCHESTER UNITED FC: All the latest news from across the web